Just two hours south of Paris, the Loire Valley enchants visitors with its castles and vineyards, nestled in a stunning landscape that seems to have slid straight out of a fairy tale. This is where King François I and his Renaissance court left a spectacular cultural legacy, earning the entire valley its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. History buffs can trace the journey of Joan of Arc from Orléans to Chinon; romantics can fall in love with the storybook châteaux of Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau and Ussé; garden lovers can revel in the verdant paradise of Chaumont and Villandry; gourmands can tantalize their tastebuds at Michelin-starred restaurants and rustic auberges; and outdoor adventurers can take it all in by bike. This fertile valley still has much to offer!